8 July 2019 | Tennis Australia

The globally renowned Rafa Nadal Tour has completed its second Australian stop at the Victorian Junior Gold tournament in Brighton, Melbourne.

As part of Tennis Australia’s long-term relationship with world No.2 Rafael Nadal, Australia is hosting four events for 12/u and 14/u players across the country before a prestigious Masters final is held alongside the Australian Open in January.

Each stop coincides with a junior tournament and showcases a competitive and educational program while fostering the tour values of sportsmanship, commitment, fellowship and effort.

Local Victorian junior players Mahi Khore (Thornbury) and Michael Korobitsin (Warranwood) won the 12/u titles at the tournament while Ryosuke Shibuya (Wantirna South, Vic) and West Australian Rhea Makesar (Riverton, WA) won the 14/u titles.

Xisco Mercadal and Carlos Cuadrado from the Rafa Nadal Tour also revealed the Trophy of Values recipients, with Gabriella Villeges (Manor Lakes, Vic) and Jermone Estephan (South Peakhurst, NSW) in the 12/u age group and Ashley Gilby (Mont Albert North, Vic) and Kosta Mandikos (Mentone, Vic) in the 14/u age group awarded for their behaviour.

“It was a pleasure to be in Melbourne on behalf of the Rafa Nadal Tour to help share Rafa’s message.” Rafa Nadal Tour Values Coach Xisco Mercadal said.

“We want to continue to work with Australian juniors to share and educate players on the importance of the values of sportsmanship, effort, fellowship and commitment.”

“Thank you to everyone who was involved in the Victorian event, the quality of tennis was great throughout the whole tournament. We saw this particularly today when some very strong final matches were played,” Rafa Nadal Tour Values Coach Carlos Cuadrado added.

Rafa Nadal Tour Victorian JT Gold finals results

12/u girls’ final: [1] Mahi Khore (Vic) def. [5] Gabrielle Villegas (Vic) 6-3 6-2

12/u boys’ final: [5] Michael Korobitsin (Vic) def. [4] Aedan Nelson (Vic) 6-4 7-5

14/u girls’ final: [4] Rhea Makesar (WA) def. [5] Saanvi Tak (WA) 6-3 6-2

14/u boy’s final: [2] Ryosuke Shibuya (Vic) def. [1] Jack Calleri (Vic) 6-4 1-6 7-5

Rafa Nadal Tour Victorian JT Gold Values Trophy recipients

12/u girls’: Gabrielle Villegas (Manor Lakes, Vic)

12/u boys’: Jermone Estephan (South Peakhurst, Sydney, NSW)

14/u girls’: Ashley Gilby (Mont Albert North, Vic)

14/u boys’: Kosta Mandikos (Mentone, Vic)

The tour will now visit South Australia before travelling to New South Wales in October.

For more information about the Rafa Nadal Tour by Mapfre (Spain) visit www.rafanadaltour.com or www.tennis.com.au/rafa-nadal-tour-australia